Evaluating the Efficiency of Solar and Petrol-Powered Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for African Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>) Fingerling Production

Abstract

Accessibility of quality fingerlings is dependable on a hatchery system with the capacity to produce all year round. There are two hatchery systems operational in Nigeria namely, the flow-through and re-circulating systems. These two systems require electricity to power periodic or constant water supply and aeration. When electricity supply fails or non-existent, this will result in anxiety and hardship to hatchery operators with the subsequent low output. This paper, therefore, assessed the production efficiency of solar and petrol-powered generator recirculating aquaculture systems for African catfish <i>(Clarias gariepinus)</i> fingerlings production. The results obtained from the growth performance and survival percentage of <i>Clarias gariepnus</i> reared in the two recirculating systems (solar and generator powered recirculating systems) showed no significant difference (P> 0.05) in the initial weight, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of <i>C. gariepnus</i> from the two-recirculating systems. However, the result showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the final mean weight, weight gained, and survival rate in the two-recirculating systems. Aligning with the guidelines outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the means and range values of temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg/l), pH and ammonia, observed from the two recirculating production systems indicated temperature (22.81°C - 25.11°C), dissolved pH (7.10-7.42), dissolved oxygen (6.22- 6.62mg/l), ammonia (0.04-0.08mg/l) respectively. The survival rate of fry reaching 84% for the solar group and 64% for the generator at the end of 28- 56 days. Thus, this study revealed that solar energy might become the most promising energy source that can replace the usual source of energy for hatchery operations in Nigeria. This study, therefore, recommended that Solar Powered Recirculating Systems be adopted where feasible, given their demonstrated support for increased growth rates and higher survival rates to enhance efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture production systems.